Volvo unplugs plug-in hybrids and e-cars
Volvo has been a partner in a research project that has studied the possibilities of inductive charging for electric vehicles – and the results show that this technology for transferring energy via an electromagnetic field has a promising future. Inductive charging has the potential to make a vehicle independent of mechanical connector designs.
Inductive charging uses an electromagnetic field instead of a cord to transfer energy between two objects. An induction coil creates an alternating electromagnetic field from a charging base station. A second induction coil in the portable device picks up power from the electromagnetic field and converts it back into an electrical energy that charges the battery. This technology is common in electrical home appliances such as electrical toothbrushes but is not yet commercially available to charge electric cars.
“Inductive charging has great potential", believes Lennart Stegland, Vice President, Electric Propulsion System at Volvo Car Group. "Cordless technology is a comfortable and effective way to conveniently transfer energy. The study also indicates that it is safe,” Stegland however pointed out that there is not yet any common standard for inductive charging", adding that the Swedish carmaker will continue its research and evaluate the feasibility of the technology in its hybrid and electric car projects.”
With the technology evaluated in the study, a charging plate is buried in the ground, for instance in the driveway at home where the car is parked. The charging plate consists of a coil that generates a magnetic field. When the car is parked above the plate, energy from the plate is transferred to the car’s inductive pick-up. The energy that is transferred is AC; it needs to be converted into DC in the car’s built-in voltage converter, which in turn charges the car’s battery pack. Charging a battery pack of the size fitted to the Volvo C30 Electric, 24 kWh, takes about 2.5h, if the battery is entirely discharged. The charging system been tested was dimensioned for 20 kW.
The research project, which included inductive charging for cars and buses, was initiated by Flanders’ Drive, the knowledge centre of the automotive industry in the Flanders region in Belgium. It featured a consortium of companies, including Volvo Car Group, Bombardier Transportation and the coachbuilder Van Hool. The project was partly funded by the Flemish government. Volvo supplied the car for the inductive charging project, a Volvo C30 Electric with a power output of 89 kW (120 hp).
In parallel to the quick charging process, the experts also conducted research into slow and regular charging.
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